The School of Environmental Science and Management-University of the Philippines (SESAM-UPLB) and the City of Calaca, Batangas signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to craft the city’s Environmental Code last April 26, 2024 at the Calaca City Hall.

The City of Calaca, coordinated with SESAM-UPLB thru the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources head Ms. Maria Cristina H. Sunguad, who is also an alumni of UPLB. The Continuing Education and Training Division (CETD) of SESAM facilitated the signing of the MOA.

Dr. Enrico Supangco, Executive Director of the UPLB Foundation Inc., with SESAM Dean, Dr. Rico Ancog represented SESAM-UPLB. Meanwhile Mayor Sofronio “Nas” C. Ona, Jr. signed on behalf of the City of Calaca. This MOA is the first official engagement of the City of Calaca with UPLB. 

Calaca was proclaimed a 1st class component city on September 3, 2022. It has 40 baranggays, with an official population of 87,361 based on the 2020 census. The environmental code will benefit the city as it attracts more and more industries and investments.

The environmental code is based on the 1987 Constitution, as stated in Section 16, Article II, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

Mayor Ona, who is serving his 2nd term as mayor, was also the vice governor of Batangas from 2016 to 2019. “The local government keeps on reinventing and we have to be dynamic… all LGUs in the Philippines must have an e-code, the ordinance is one part, but the implementation is the most important,” Mayor Ona said.

SESAM-UPLB has been actively involved in the crafting of e-codes of different LGUs around the country, namely Laguna Province, Batangas City and Tanuan City, Batangas. This six-month project which is entitled “Development of Environmental Code of Calaca City,” will start this May 2024. Joining Dean Ancog are members of CETD led by For. Sofia A. Alaira, Dr. Thaddeus P. Lawas, Mr. Patrick M. Cabangbang, Ms. Cherry S. Padilla and Ms. Jessa O. Aquino-Cando, EnP.